Using class websites to monitor and improve learning outcomes - Part II
Benefits and criticism of educational technology
Benefits
Educational technology is intended to improve education over what it would be without technology. Some of the claimed benefits are listed below:
Easy-to-access course materials. Instructors can post the course material or important information on a course website, which means students can study at a time and location they prefer and obtain study material (almost) immediately. (5)
Student motivation. Computer-based instruction can give instant feedback to students and explain correct answers. Moreover, a computer is patient and non-judgmental, which can give the student motivation to continue learning. According to James Kulik, who studies the effectiveness of computers used for instruction, students usually learn more in less time when receiving computer-based instruction and they like classes more and develop more positive attitudes toward computers in computer-based classes (6).
Wide participation. Learning material can be used for long distance learning and are accessible to a wider audience. (7)
Improved student writing. It is convenient for students to edit their written work on word processors, which can, in turn, improve the quality of their writing. According to some studies, the students are better at critiquing and editing written work that is exchanged over a computer network with students they know. (5)
Subjects made easier to learn. Many different types of educational software are designed and developed to help [learners] to learn specific subjects. Examples include computer simulators, and graphics software. (6)
A structure that is more amenable to measurement and improvement of outcomes. With proper structuring it can become easier to monitor and maintain student work while also quickly gauging modifications to the instruction necessary to enhance student learning.
Using class websites to monitor and improve learning outcomes - Part II
Benefits and criticism of educational technology
Benefits
Educational technology is intended to improve education over what it would be without technology. Some of the claimed benefits are listed below:
Easy-to-access course materials. Instructors can post the course material or important information on a course website, which means students can study at a time and location they prefer and obtain study material (almost) immediately. (5)
Student motivation. Computer-based instruction can give instant feedback to students and explain correct answers. Moreover, a computer is patient and non-judgmental, which can give the student motivation to continue learning. According to James Kulik, who studies the effectiveness of computers used for instruction, students usually learn more in less time when receiving computer-based instruction and they like classes more and develop more positive attitudes toward computers in computer-based classes (6).
Wide participation. Learning material can be used for long distance learning and are accessible to a wider audience. (7)
Improved student writing. It is convenient for students to edit their written work on word processors, which can, in turn, improve the quality of their writing. According to some studies, the students are better at critiquing and editing written work that is exchanged over a computer network with students they know. (5)
Subjects made easier to learn. Many different types of educational software are designed and developed to help [learners] to learn specific subjects. Examples include computer simulators, and graphics software. (6)
A structure that is more amenable to measurement and improvement of outcomes. With proper structuring it can become easier to monitor and maintain student work while also quickly gauging modifications to the instruction necessary to enhance student learning.
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Criticism
Although technology in the classroom does have many benefits, there are clear drawbacks as well. Among these are
lack of proper training,
limited access to sufficient quantities of a technology
extra time required for many implementations of technology.
These are just a few of the reasons that technology is often not used extensively in the classroom.
Time, resource, and motivation intensive requirements include the following:
Educators must have a good grasp of the technology being used
Special training is vital to ensuring the effective integration of classroom technology.
Technology implementation
Inconvenience of resource placement
Quantity of computers or digital cameras for classroom use/access to a sufficient quantity of a resource
Have an alternative lesson ready because technology failure may occur during the activity
Finding quality materials to support classroom objectives because of the ever-evolving nature of technology
Designing or redesigning resources because of the ever-evolving nature of technology.
If there is a lack in either of these areas, technology will be seen as a hindrance and not a benefit to the goals of teaching. (9)
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Please click Part III (see also navigation bar to the left) to proceed!